EMBA Profiles
Class of September 2024
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Abdullah Alkhorayef
Saudi Arabia
Project Development Manager
Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies, Saudi Arabia
Sector: Energy and Utilities
Abdullah is a Development Manager at Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies,
leading long-term investment projects. He is responsible for all stages of the project
lifecycle, including strategic partnerships, feasibility assessments, bidding processes and
negotiations. Abdullah has experience in performance management, strategic planning,
public-private partnerships and customer journey design within the technology and
utilities industries.
Nii Ayite Aryee
United States
Family Support Coordinator
LifeNet Health, United States
Sector: Healthcare
Currently, Nii holds a quasi-sales role at LifeNet Health, the largest nonprofit full-service
organ procurement organisation in the United States. His efforts have saved over
200 lives and restored the health of thousands. Previously, as Director of Community
Engagement, he oversaw social impact teams, managed a Mr. Appliance franchise,
and founded College Bound, which equipped at-risk youth with business skills. He also
served as an Emergency Manager with the US Air Force.
Merve Aygit
Turkey
Head of Global Commercial Business Excellence and Chief of Staff for COO
Elekta AB, Turkey
Sector: Healthcare
Merve is a visionary leader in MedTech and Healthcare IT, with over ten years of
experience driving innovation and strategic alignment to accelerate growth and
performance in diverse markets. She excels at leading high-performing entities,
driving transformative initiatives and consistently exceeding operational and strategic
targets. Merve has made a lasting impact by advancing critical healthcare solutions and
improving patient outcomes globally in various multinational companies.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Chris Bardos
United States
Entrepreneur
Constellate, United States
Sector: Telecommunications
Chris is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for real-time communications and
technology. He has founded and successfully exited from multiple companies, focusing
on scalable telecommunication solutions and other technology services. His leadership
roles have included executive positions where he spearheaded asset consolidations
and regional development projects. Chris has also provided consultancy and advisory
services to numerous startups to help drive growth and market expansion.
Bridgette Barry-Murphy
Australia
Director
Unearth Collective, Australia
Sector: Hospitality and Tourism
Founder of Unearth Collective, a venue management and consulting firm that operates
across Australia, managing five distinctive venues. Bridgette has built a leading brand
from the ground up, steering the company's growth with a strategic focus on excellence
in event management, customer experience and stakeholder collaboration. Under her
leadership, Unearth Collective has become a key player in the industry, known for its
innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
Elkhan Bashirov
Azerbaijan
Operations Manager
Elkhan, Azerbaijan
Sector: Energy and Utilities
With over 15 years of experience in the energy sector, Elkhan currently leads operations
at BP's oil terminal in Azerbaijan. Previously, he worked as Operations Manager in
the giant Rumaila oil field in Iraq, overseeing 1.5 million barrels of daily oil production.
Elkhan has experience leading multi-national teams in challenging environments, driving
production targets, and delivering complex projects. He served as a business advisor to
BP’s executive office for upstream.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Jonathan Bramley
United Kingdom
CEO and Founder
JD2E Ltd, United Kingdom
Sector: Aerospace, Aviation and Defence
Jonathan is the founder and CEO of JD2E Ltd, a training and simulation company
specialising in the defence and aerospace industries. Jon leads the company in the
development of innovative training solutions, leveraging new technology, such as mixed
reality, and has built the company up to over 20 employees, multi-million-pound turnover
and with contracts in the UK, US, Oman, Malaysia and Norway.
Matt Brock
New Zealand
Director
Aria Commodities, Switzerland
Sector: Agribusiness
Matt has over 25 years of commodity trading and shipping experience across energy,
dry bulk, minerals, and soft commodities. He has worked in Asia, Australia, Europe,
USA, and South America during his career and held senior management positions both
at division and corporate level. Matt is now focused on international business, strategy,
origination and business development.
John Mark Bwanika
Uganda
Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer
Rocket Health Africa, Uganda
Sector: Healthcare
John Mark is the co-founder, Chief Operations Officer, and Chief Research Officer of
Rocket Health Africa, a leading digital health and Telemedicine company in Africa. Over
the last decade his company has raised over ten million US dollars in equity and grant
financing and served nearly three million people. He designs and implements complex
digital health solutions and research for Africa. Through his FG Foundation, he convenes
local and global givers toward Africa's future generations.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Luna Christie
Singapore
Head of Trust Administration
Nomura Trust Company Ltd, Singapore
Sector: Financial Services
Luna is an Executive Director for Nomura’s International Wealth Management business.
She also performs the role of a Resident Manager. Luna heads an experienced team of
trust professionals, providing trust administration to UHNW clients who are setting up
the trust structures for succession planning. Luna is admitted to Singapore, New York
and England legal profession. Prior to Nomura, Luna was in Credit Suisse Trust heading
its risk management function.
Wiley Chung
Canada
Chief Executive Officer
Smart Biomedical, Canada
Sector: Healthcare
Wiley is the founder of Smart Biomedical, a company dedicated to improving patient
safety in high-risk medical procedures. As a thoracic surgeon and former battlefield
medic, Wiley co-developed Smart Drain, a ground-breaking medical device used to treat
collapsed lungs in trauma. He led the company's R&D, secured a patent, and oversees
regulatory approval. Wiley is also an Assistant Professor and Director of Equity, Diversity,
Inclusivity, Indigeneity, and Accessibility at Queen’s University.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Asha Desai
United States
Director of Accounting
Kinder Morgan, United States
Sector: Energy and Utilities
Asha serves as the Director of Accounting at Kinder Morgan, the largest pipeline
organisation in North America. In this capacity, she provides expert consultation on
technical accounting issues, unusual transactions and new accounting guidance, while
also aiding in the strategic implementation of solutions for these challenges. Previously,
Asha was a Manager at Deloitte, where she delivered audit services to clients across
diverse sectors. She holds a CPA certification from the state of Texas.
Deric Dube
Zimbabwe
Director Bulk Commodities
Kuvimba Mining House, Zimbabwe
Sector: Industrials
Deric has been in mining and commodities trading since 2012. He is passionate about
building businesses and creating employment. He joined Kuvimba Mining House (KMH)
in 2020 where he developed and implemented the turnaround strategy for one of its
subsidiaries, Zimbabwe Alloys Limited. As MD he led two rounds of fundraising which
saw the business restart chrome smelting and open three new concentrator plants. He
is currently KMH Director for Bulk Commodities, a cluster that employs 350 people.
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EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Toru Ebisu
Japan
Deputy General Manager
Mitsui & Co. Ltd, Japan
Sector: Investment Management
Toru has more than 18 years of international experience in the pharma industry and is
dedicated to improving quality of life through products, services and digital solutions.
He led Mitsui’s investment into TriNetX and assisted their business expansion, including
M&A as a Director during his assignment in the US and as a Board observer for TriNetX.
Before joining Mitsui, he worked in responsible positions in marketing at Takeda
Pharmaceutical company in Japan and Switzerland.
Ryan Edmiston
United States
Director
Huron Consulting, United States
Sector: Financial Services
Ryan has spent his career operating at the intersection of law, finance and policy.
Currently, Ryan serves as a Director at Huron Consulting where he co-leads the firm’s
investment banking and international strategy practice groups. Prior to joining Huron,
Ryan managed a diverse range of sustainable project financing initiatives in multiple
emerging and frontier markets. Ryan is also passionate about education and regularly
teaches business negotiation courses as an adjunct professor.
Tomomi Eguchi
Japan
Senior Manager
EY, Japan
Sector: Accounting and Tax
Tomomi is an audit professional who has worked at EY for 15 years, including
secondments to the London office and the Sustainability Standards Board of Japan. With
extensive experience providing audit and accounting technical services to a wide range
of global companies and engaging in sustainability disclosure standard-setting activities,
she is now utilising her skills to lead sustainability assurance services globally.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Mette Ekeroth
Denmark
Deputy Head of Mission
Embassy of Denmark to Vietnam, Vietnam
Sector: Government
Mette is a career diplomat with a cross-over to family offices, family foundations,
philanthropy and impact investing. She is passionate about supporting public, private and
civil society actors to deliver systemic change, and has facilitated 30+ cross-sectoral and
cross-boundary partnerships. Mette has spent 15 years in Asia (Singapore, Korea, India
and Vietnam). Since 2016, Mette has been in management roles and held board and
advisory board positions.
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Kanina Foss
South Africa
Chief of Staff
SOAS University of London, United Kingdom
Sector: Education
Kanina structures higher education partnerships across Africa, Asia and the Middle East
with a focus on co-developing academic programmes to create skills and strengthen
institutions to address transnational challenges. In her role as Chief of Staff, she also
leads on the development and monitoring of SOAS' institutional strategy. Previously, she
supported an institutional turnaround at a top two South African university. Kanina is also
an entrepreneur and a trained computer scientist.
Kevon Foster
Canada
Head of Contracts and Procurement, Projects
Crescent Petroleum, United Arab Emirates
Sector: Energy and Utilities
Kevon is a conscientious leader with 18 years of multinational experience across three
continents, with expertise in major project (>$500m) contracting, strategy development,
complex negotiations and claims and dispute resolution for leading energy operators
such as Shell, Kuwait Oil Company, Crescent Petroleum and Suncor Energy. As a reputed professional and lifelong learner, Kevon is committed to delivering excellence with
integrity, and adding quantifiable value to the teams he is a part of.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Christoph Gertenbach
Germany
Deputy Head of Asset Management
RAG-Stiftung, Germany
Sector: Financial Services
Christoph is the Deputy Head of Asset Management at the RAG Foundation (£16bn
AUM), which is responsible for financing the perpetual obligations of the German coal
mining industry. He focuses on strategic asset allocation. Additionally, he leads the
manager selection for infrastructure and private equity funds and oversees due diligence
for direct investments. Prior to his role he worked for an international investment
consultant, an asset manager and several banks.
Pedro Gomez
United Kingdom
Design, Development & Industrialisation Department Manager
AVL PTE UK, United Kingdom
Sector: Technology
Pedro is a leader in the automotive industry, with an interest in sustainable solutions
to mobility and energy. Within AVL Powertrain UK, Pedro manages a team of over
70 technology experts as a semi-independent business unit. His current focus is on
developing technical solutions (batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and engines) from concept
to industrialisation. He has over 18 years of professional experience in a variety of fields
including engineering management, consulting and product development.
Richard Gustard
United Kingdom
Managing Director
JPMorgan, United Kingdom
Sector: Financial Services
Richard has 28 years experience in the city, almost exclusively at JPMorgan. He has run
several businesses in rates trading with international reach. His revenue was counted
in hundreds of millions annually. He guided the EMEA securities business through the
GFC, the European Bank and then Sovereign crisis, and more recently the UK desk
through the Gilt crisis. He is pivoting his career via the EMBA as well as spending more
time with his children.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Hisham Hamood
France
Founder & CEO
Capivest Group, United Arab Emirates
Sector: Investment Management
Hisham is an investor and entrepreneur based in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, focusing on
identifying companies with high growth potential and scaling them toward successful
exits through strategic acquisitions or future IPOs. He seeks opportunities internationally
and brings them to the region, adding strategic value. He also leads one of Saudi Arabia’s
largest events companies, overseeing major government projects in entertainment,
sports and tourism. Hisham also advises some members of the Saudi royal family and is
currently pursuing his second master’s degree to further enhance his expertise.
Frieda He
China
EVP, Head of Global Procurement
Polestar Automotive, Sweden
Sector: Technology
A seasoned automotive procurement and supply chain executive with nearly 20 years'
experience and driving force for strategic transformation. Notably in her 13 years at Volvo
Cars, she led the way for its electrification and sustainability. Now with Polestar, she
has poised Procurement for double digits external expenditure reduction and operational
efficiency. She is highlighted for her capability in fostering aspired culture, supplier
partnerships, innovation, and sustainable high-performing teams.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Tariq Judeh
Jordan
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Al-Tariq Investments and Consultancy, Jordan
Sector: Consulting
Tariq is dedicated to bridging the gap between public and private sectors. As the cofounder of Al Tariq Investments and Consultancy, his efforts are aimed at enhancing
the Jordanian economy growth and fostering entrepreneurship opportunities and
development. Tariq is committed to making a positive impact and continuously striving to
bring innovative and collaborative opportunities to the region, to support peace building
through dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
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Roman Kucinskij
United Kingdom
Managing Director
London Commodity Intelligence Bureau (LCIB), United Kingdom
Sector: Consulting – Strategy
Roman has authored industry-acclaimed reports on steel and raw materials, with a
strong track record in metals and mining consultancy. Since 2017, he has led a Londonbased metals and mining research firm. His past roles include Head of Research at TELF
AG, special project consultant at Metal Bulletin Research and Research Associate at
AME. Roman holds an MSc from the University of Aberdeen, an MBA and a BA from
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. He is fluent in Russian.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Gustav Kulle
Sweden
Senior Product Manager
William Blair Investment Management, Sweden
Sector: Financial Services
Senior Product Manager at William Blair, an American premier institutional boutique
investment management firm, and co-founder of the school-building charity organisation
The Infinity Branch. Gustav, a native of Sweden, has been based in London for the past
15 years whilst working in various strategic roles within investment banking and asset
management. Today, he is a leader of his firm’s strategic efforts of international growth
within the space of actively managed investments.
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Cheryl Lo
United Kingdom
Adviser
Cabinet Office, UK Government, United Kingdom
Sector: Government
Cheryl serves as an adviser at the Cabinet Office, which supports the Prime Minister.
As a strategy professional, she has worked on the UK’s most complex issues of high
priorities, including COVID, Brexit and the Queen’s funeral. Before this, Cheryl was a
wildlife conservationist who led a successful campaign to ban the local ivory trade in
Hong Kong, as well as internationally through United Nations COPs. As a thought leader,
she was invited to speak at the BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, TEDx, Berlin Palace etc.
Leonardo Lujan Gonzalez
Brazil
CFO
Opty, Brazil
Sector: Healthcare
Leonardo Lujan Gonzalez is CFO at Opty, Latin America’s largest eye hospital group, and
a board member at The Rare Disease Foundation. With over ten years in private equity,
Leonardo excels in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and strategic growth. An
economics graduate from the University of São Paulo and a CFA charterholder, he is also
passionate about golf, classical guitar and contemporary art. Leonardo aims to evolve
into a transformative CEO and build a strong personal brand.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Jean-Jacques Maïkere
Belgium, Chad, Rwanda
Group Chief Marketing Officer
Jumia, Cote D'Ivoire
Sector: Technology
Jean-Jacques is an executive with extensive international experience as CEO and
Growth ExCo in starting and scaling businesses, including two of the first African
unicorns. As a Group ExCo, he oversees Growth and Marketing at Jumia, Africa's leading
e-commerce platform listed on the NYSE, operating in 11 countries. He leads a 300+
team across Africa, serving millions. He has worked across Africa, Europe and Silicon
Valley. He is deeply passionate about venture building and the African customer.
Seb Marwood
United Kingdom
Head of Capital Markets, UK & Ireland
Avanade / Accenture, United Kingdom
Sector: Consulting
Seb is the UK&I Capital Markets Industry Lead at Avanade, a joint venture between
Accenture and Microsoft. He leads cross-functional teams to deliver strategic consulting
and technology solutions for Capital Markets clients. With a background in Investment
Management and Trading, Seb excels in complex, high-pressure environments.
Passionate about driving transformation, he collaborates with C-suite stakeholders to
grow and evolve their businesses through innovative strategies and services.
Paul Mbenenge
South Africa
Partner Head
Correlation, United Kingdom
Sector: Investment Management
Paul is a seasoned actuary with a strong track record in the insurance industry across the
UK, South Africa and Nigeria. As a Partner Head, he manages shareholder relationships
within Correlation's portfolio of pet ecosystem investments, working closely with
entrepreneurial founders to achieve scale. Paul specialises in financial planning, M&A
and investment strategies that deliver transformative growth.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Rob Mennell
United States
Chief Growth Officer
Synertex, United States
Sector: Technology
Rob began his career in the U.S. Army, where he developed a knack for applying
emerging technologies to operational needs. Rob continued this work in the private
sector, where he quickly mastered the fundamentals of running a business. He excelled
in strategic growth, working with start-ups, mid-tier companies and multinational
corporations through organic growth, mergers, acquisitions and exits. In his spare time,
Rob supports charities for veterans, global security, and equine therapy.
Michelle Money
United Kingdom
CEO
Greenheart Learning, United Kingdom
Sector: Education
Michelle is the CEO of Greenheart Learning, a transformational change organisation
working in some of the most disadvantaged schools and communities in the UK. She
has worked across all education sectors in leadership and regulatory roles. Michelle is
passionate about changing inequality and founded @ResearchSEND which supports
schools to be inclusive. Her research focus is maximising learning outcomes for
excluded groups, and leadership.
Grace Mponeja
Tanzania
Senior Trader, Treasury Analytics and Capital Management
NMB Bank Plc, Tanzania
Sector: Financial Services
Grace's diverse experience in the banking industry spans Treasury, Capital Markets, as
well as Corporate and Sustainable Finance. Currently managing the liquidity and capital
for NMB Bank PLC, the largest bank in Tanzania by asset size, profitability and market
capitalisation, she also leads several strategic projects for the bank including M&As,
sustainability initiatives such as Gender Bond and Sustainability Bond issuances and
cross-border expansion projects.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Emily Mugisha
United States
Director of Majority World Economic Development Programs
The Chalmers Center, Rwanda
Sector: Non-Governmental Organisation
Emily is an international economic development practitioner, experienced in programme
design, technical advising, and research and development for financial inclusion and
business development programmes. Working in marginalised communities across
Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, she supports, develops, and leads initiatives
that enhance social and financial inclusion, improve equity and gender diversity, and
strengthen community and household resilience for long-term success and sustainability.
Tess Murphy
United States
Senior Director of Corporate Programs
Kiva.org, United States
Sector: Nonprofits and Social Enterprises
Tess built a career in Silicon Valley focused on leveraging technology to achieve systemic
social change. She currently leads the corporate social responsibility programme at Kiva.
org, a microfinance nonprofit that provides financial access to underserved communities.
She works with over 200 corporate partners, helping to engage employees and build
brand identity through social impact. Tess won several awards and published a white
paper on how these initiatives help to drive corporate value.
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Jim Nam
United States
Chief Strategy Officer
Carbon Negative Solutions, United States
Sector: Environmental Services and Sustainability
Jim has served in various government, public policy, and national security policy roles for
three Secretaries of Defence, including managing an annual budget of $600 billion for
the Department of Defense under the Comptroller and collaborating on state legislation
for a Fortune 50 company in state government affairs. Jim is now developing strategic
relationships for a sustainable agriculture business. As an avid food fan, Jim enjoys trying
new restaurants in Portland, Oregon.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Allyna Nguyen
United States
Director, IT Project Management
PwC, United States
Sector: Financial Services
Allyna has managed global projects in the tech, finance, banking, and health sectors.
She is also founder of Mimi Pharmaceuticals, which establishes a supply chain of
American drugs to the Vietnamese market. She is professionally fluent in Spanish,
French and Vietnamese.
Kelsey Nolan
United States
President and CEO
The Dakota Foundation, United States
Sector: Nonprofits and Social Enterprises
As President and CEO of The Dakota Foundation, Kelsey pursues programme-related
investments to get the highest social return out of initiatives fostering self-sufficiency.
With a passion for social impact, she has spearheaded public-private partnerships to
scale programmes in criminal justice, child welfare, and financial empowerment, and
serves on multiple nonprofit boards addressing homelessness, education and economic
development within Colorado. She is an avid skier, hiker and traveller.
Ardhy Nugrahanto
Indonesia
Chief Executive Officer
Kimia Farma Laboratory and Clinic, Indonesia
Sector: Healthcare
Ardhy is an accomplished Managing Director with 15 years of experience offering a
proven track record in the hospital and healthcare industry. He is capable in various
areas including Analytical problem solving, Sales, Management and Marketing
strategies. A uniquely qualified business development expert, Ardhy holds expertise
in Management, Project Planning, Organisation and Public Health Environment Safety.
Ardhy is a graduate of top universities with a focus on Management and International
Health and Safety.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Maria Nunez Burkhalter
Philippines
Startup Manager
Amazon Web Services, Switzerland
Sector: Technology
Maria is a senior startup manager at AWS, driving startup ecosystem growth across
Northern and Eastern Europe. She leads cross-functional teams to forge strategic
partnerships with investors, universities, and consulting firms, innovating high-impact
initiatives for 8,000+ startups backed by $75 billion in funding. Maria has lived in
Switzerland, Singapore, and the Philippines. She is passionate about diversity in
tech, mentoring, and entrepreneurship. She founded Katalista, a non-profit bringing
technology to underserved ASEAN communities.
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Sam Okoh
United States
Enterprise Cybersecurity Executive
Google, United States
Sector: Consulting
Sam is a seasoned Enterprise Sales Executive with a proven track record of securing
multi-million pound deals in the highly competitive Silicon Valley market. Possessing a
deep understanding of complex sales cycles, he has successfully led teams to deliver
innovative solutions across various sectors. Currently working at Google Cloud Security,
he leverages solution selling expertise to empower Silicon Valley enterprises with robust
security solutions, driving business growth and mitigating risk.
Oyindamola Oyeduntan
Nigeria
Legal Counsel/Company Secretary
Heirs Energies Limited, Nigeria
Sector: Energy and Utilities
Oyindamola heads the Legal and Compliance team and serves as the Company Secretary
at Heirs Energies Limited. She provides strategic legal advice and oversight for three
upstream oil and gas assets. Previously, she was the Legal Adviser at Heirs Holdings,
a private investment company where she provided key group governance oversight.
She is a multiple award-winning General Counsel with a broad range of experience in
governance, compliance and mergers and acquisitions across various industries.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Marc Penzel
Germany
Founder & President
Startup Genome, Germany
Sector: Consulting
As a co-founder of Startup Genome, Marc develops tech and startup ecosystems
worldwide. With a background in management consulting at PwC, KPMG, and Bayer,
he advises governments on strategies for startup success and designs programmes for
startups aspiring to lead globally. His insights and publications reach over half a million
readers annually. A frequent speaker at top tech conferences, Marc is recognised by the
World Economic Forum as an Expert in Entrepreneurship, IT and Economic Progress.
Gavin Phillips
United Kingdom
Chief Operating Officer - UK
IWG PLC, Netherlands
Sector: Real Estate
As Chief Operating Officer for IWG, the global operator of workspace providers, Gavin
is responsible for executing the company’s strategy. He is responsible for over 300
locations in the UK. Prior to IWG, Gavin worked for several years for JLL commercial real
estate, occupying various roles covering Asia Pacific. Whilst he currently lives in the UK
he has been fortunate to live in the Netherlands, Australia and the Middle East. Gavin
uses his skills to develop sustainable businesses.
Michael Phillips Moskowitz
United States
Chief Strategy Officer
Cayce Pollard Group, United States
Sector: Consulting
Michael is a serial entrepreneur and currently the CSO of Cayce Pollard, a speculative
futures practice. His prior startup was acquired by a SoftBank-backed unicorn in
2021. Michael has been recognised by FastCompany as one of the Top-100 Creatives
in Business, by IFAH as one of the Top-100 Leaders in Global Healthcare, and was
appointed Global Chief Curator at eBay, following a previous acquisition. He has twice
served as an EIR at venture firms, a Fellow at Harvard and at The New Institute.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Tom Pope
United Kingdom
Portfolio Manager
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), United Arab Emirates
Sector: Financial Services
Tom is a real estate investment professional with 17+ years of experience across
European markets. Based in Abu Dhabi, Tom’s role at ADIA involves the origination,
execution and management of real estate investments across a range of sub-sectors
including residential, logistics, data centres, office and retail. Tom started his career in
London where he worked as a dedicated asset manager to the Lehman Brothers Real
Estate Private Equity funds. Tom also co-owns a care home business in the UK.
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Christina Roulette
United States
Director, Production Operations Entertainment Content
NBC Universal Comcast, United States
Sector: Media
Christina is a Physical Production Executive at NBC Universal, leading high-impact,
cross-functional projects and managing budgets and logistics for the Lifestyle Vertical’s
unscripted series and specials. NBC Universal is a major global media company spanning
different networks and streaming platforms. She collaborates with a broad network of
clients and delivers projects across a diverse range of media formats.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Peyman Sardari Nia
Netherlands
Senior Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Associate Professor
Maastricht University Medical Center, Netherlands
Sector: Healthcare
Peyman is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon (MD, PhD) with expertise in novel
techniques and a global referral base. He is an associate professor at Maastricht
University, leading over 14 PhD students. As Editor-in-Chief of ICVTS, published by
Oxford University Press, he oversees scientific work in his field. Furthermore, he is the
CEO of Simurghy, a mech-tech company commercialising his simulation inventions, and
the CEO of Heart Team Academy, fostering a multidisciplinary approach in his field.
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Maxwell Uchedili
Nigeria
Treasury Management and Corporate Funding
Africa Finance Corporation, Nigeria
Sector: Financial Services
Maxwell plays a crucial role in raising funding for Africa's infrastructure development.
With over eight years experience in Treasury Management and Corporate Funding, he
is currently responsible for liquidity management and debt funding at Africa Finance
Corporation. A Chartered Financial Analyst, he has been instrumental in providing
financial risk management solutions to African Corporates and Sovereigns who are
looking to hedge FX, commodity price and interest rate risks.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
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Yoshie Umino
Japan
Management Director
Lutinoworks, Japan
Sector: Consulting
Yoshie is an experienced management consultant. She served as a project manager at
PwC Consulting until 2021, specialising in the financial sector, particularly in credit card
companies, where she excelled in management and interpersonal skills. Currently, as an
independent consultant, she is leading a project to develop a new digital business in the
healthcare sector and planning short and mid-term corporate budgets. Her expertise is
backed by a master’s degree in finance and a CPA certificate.
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Luis Vega
Mexico
Head of Finance & Partner
Organica y Saludable, Mexico
Sector: Consumer Goods
Luis joined as Head of Finance and partner of Orgánica y Saludable, an importer and
distributor of high-quality food brands and products, specialising in the healthy snacks
segment. Luis is also the founder of En Esta Esquina, a non-profit organisation engaged
in promoting democratic values in Mexico. Along with his team, they have organised 50+
debates with 120+ experts to show that political and ideological differences are valuable.
Sharat Venugopal
India
Associate Director, Investor Relations and Finance
Nua, India
Sector: Consumer Goods
Part of the founding team at Nua, a women’s wellness brand focusing on menstrual
care products. Sharat is the Associate Director for Investor Relations and Finance. He
manages the company’s fundraising process and growth strategy. He is also responsible
for legal and financial compliance.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
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Jared Ward
United States
Sports Marketing
Saucony, United States
Sector: Consumer Goods
Jared recruits and leads a team of global sports ambassadors for performance running
brand Saucony. He is an Olympic Marathon runner (6th place, 2016 Rio Olympics),
Statistics professor and academic researcher, non-profit founder and board chair,
entrepreneur (see ABC’s Shark Tank episode 1103), real estate developer and fund
partner and motivational speaker. Jared and his wife Erica have six kids and are active in
their faith and community.
Francesca Whalen
United States
Managing Partner
Rocca Ventures, United States
Sector: Investment Management
Francesca is an accomplished venture capitalist, board member and finance executive
with a distinguished track record of cross-border investment success. As the founder and
managing partner of Rocca Ventures, she spearheads strategic initiatives and investment
decisions for early-stage and technology-focused asset management.
Adam Will
United States
GM Strategic Collaborations and Professional Sport
GE Healthcare Capital
Sector: Healthcare
Adam is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur and PGA professional with over two
decades of experience. He has a proven track record of driving growth and leading
strategic expansions for global brands like Thermo Fisher, GE Healthcare and Professional
Sport. As an investor, Adam focuses on wellness, medical technology and real estate. A
graduate of the prestigious Jack Welch leadership programme, he now leads a new GE
segment in imaging for pro sports, preventive medicine and longevity.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
23
Eunice Wong
Malaysia
CEO & Co-founder
Talk Stack AI, Singapore
Sector: Technology
Eunice is a seasoned entrepreneur who has founded three startups in AI and blockchain,
with backing from Y Combinator, Samsung and Harvard. Currently, she is leading the
development of a superhuman AI assistant at Talk Stack AI, aimed at enhancing the
quality of life for knowledge workers. In addition to her tech ventures, Eunice is a real
estate developer in Bali, specialising in wellness hospitality projects.
X
Kevin Xu
China
Consultant
A Aerospace Guy, Hong Kong S.A.R.
Sector: Aerospace, Aviation and Defence
Kevin is an aviation professional with experience spanning three continents. His expertise
includes navigating complex dynamics, business development and operations excellence,
such as the Belt and Road initiative in Ghana and operations in Egypt during the Arab
Spring revolutions. Leveraging his technical skills and industry network, Kevin now
provides a range of consulting services, including executive headhunting, aircraft and
engine leasing and strategic advisory for commercial airlines.
www.sbs.oxford.edu/emba
24
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Bing Yan
China
Head of Asia
Lufthansa Group Business Services, Hong Kong S.A.R.
Sector: Aerospace, Aviation and Defence
Bing has served in various roles in the corporate functions and shared service
organisation (Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements, Process Management,
HR and Compliance) in the aviation industry. She has profound intercultural
competences with strong transformational leadership skills. In her current role, she
is responsible for HR, Finance, Tax, Legal and Compliance for the group across Asia,
enabling the operations of airlines, cargo and technical business segments.
Hua John Yan
China
Founder & Chairman
Ocean International Trade, France
Sector: Healthcare
Hua John Yan is an international trade, mobility services, and medical aesthetics
entrepreneur with over ten years of experience in establishing and scaling businesses
across Europe, Asia, and America. He has a proven track record in strategic management,
innovative business solutions, cross-border trade relations, and the healthcare and beauty
industries. Fluent in both English and French, Hua focusses on digital transformation,
market expansion, and promoting health and beauty.
Nazar Yaremchuk
Ukraine
Director of Engineering
JustAnswer, United States
Sector: Technology
Nazar is a transformational leader with nearly 20 years of versatile experience. He
recently led the transformation of a team of 40 in the software department, increasing
releases from one per week to hundreds, elevating the organisation to an elite group
under Google's DORA standards. Nazar now focuses on development and integration of
AI into all aspects of engineering. He combines technical leadership with business feel
and understanding, fostering a culture of innovation.
EMBA Profiles September 2024
25
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Chi Zhang
China
Co-founder and CEO
NeurWorld Inc., China
Sector: Technology
Chi is the CEO and co-founder of NeurWorld Inc., with a richly diverse career spanning
from engineering to executive leadership across startups, IPO ventures, and multinational
corporations in software, hardware, and consulting sectors. Chi leads the technology
start-up committed to revolutionising the way people around the world access information
and resources through cutting-edge neural network models and AI algorithms.
Dora Zhao
China
Director
JLL, United Kingdom
Sector: Real Estate
Dora Zhao is a distinguished real estate director and head of the private office at JLL,
dedicated to serving Asia’s UHNWIs in the UK market. With a deep understanding
of market dynamics and robust experience in strategic operations, Dora excels in
maximising profits and catalysing growth. A certified AssocRICS member, she has
garnered multiple top industry awards for her exceptional contributions to real estate.
Dora is also recognised as a Spear’s 500 Recommended Property Advisor.
Lef Zografos
Greece
Medicine Development Lead
GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom
Sector: Healthcare
The core purpose of Lef’s role is to strategically lead the optimal global development of
a medicine, acting as the single point of accountability for the medicine from Phase 2 to
approval in first major market. Lef leads the multi-functional matrix project team which
has responsibility for representing various Research and Development and commercial
disciplines required to optimally deliver the development of a medicine.
Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is a vibrant and innovative business school,
embedded within a 900-year-old world leading university. We create programmes and ideas that
have global impact and reach. We educate leaders, change makers and innovators across every
industry and sector. Our groundbreaking research and exceptional teaching transforms individuals,
who transform businesses, which transforms the world. We create impact from within.
Impact from within
Saïd Business School
University of Oxford
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Oxford, OX1 1HP
United Kingdom
Version: October 2024
All information is correct at the
time of going to press.
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© 2024 Saïd Business School